This much is obvious now, as he turns in one sterling performance after another and guides the Reading Royals toward a championship.

The goaltender who barely sniffed the AHL and couldn't find a job in the ECHL eight months ago has played without peer.

Sunday was another example.

Gill stopped 27 shots, recorded his third shutout of the postseason and helped the Royals defeat Stockton 4-0 in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup finals at the Sovereign Center.

Reading leads the series 2-0. Gill is two wins from validation, even if he would never use such a word.

A decision in late February to sign with the Royals has resurrected his career from the anonymity of the low-level SPHL to the ECHL's biggest stage.

"Obviously you want to play well enough to get a contract for the following year," Gill said. "But business will take care of itself. I have to keep in the moment and stop the puck."

There's no denying the numbers.

Gill is 21-5-2 with a .937 save percentage in 28 games with the Royals. He's 11-2-1 in the playoffs.

In a league often highlighted by prospects at the most scrutinized and glorified position, a 28-year-old journeyman has outshone them all.

"It has been pretty amazing," forward T.J. Syner said. "He's obviously been one of our strongest players out there. There are words of MVP. He's a great goalie; he's really poised."

Gill, who played his first two full pro seasons at Kalamazoo, was released by Utah at the end of training camp and couldn't find another suitor because of the job crunch created by the NHL lockout.

The Northfield, Minn., native went to the Louisiana IceGators of the SPHL and dominated there for most of the regular season.

Royals coach Larry Courville courted Gill for weeks and eventually convinced the goalie to come to Reading. It was a wise move.

"It's a higher league and I'm on a great team," Gill said. "People like winners, so I think that helps me."

While Gill's talent has become apparent during these playoffs, so have his intangibles. He's calm and unflappable, capable of handling the pressure that mounts during a postseason run.

The Royals are 5-1 in overtime over the past month. Gill has stopped 39-of-40 shots in those extra periods.

"It's absolutely a personality thing," forward Evan Barlow said. "He's a laid-back kid. He's also a competitor and a gamer. He's going to stand tall for us. We have to do our best to clear the second opportunities because he'll smother everything else."

Gill has only played 54 minutes in the AHL despite consistently succeeding at the lower levels.

Courville is trying to convince decision makers to give his goalie a chance.

"I had Washington come down tonight to hopefully evaluate him," Courville said, referring to the Capitals. "I don't know what their goalie plans are for next year but he's a guy I'm pushing for them to possibly sign."

Gill recognizes that better opportunities may lie ahead.

The veteran refuses to think too much about it. He knows if he continues to excel and raises that trophy, his outlook will be bright.

At this point a championship is what motivates him.

"It would mean the world to me," Gill said. "It would be a cap on top of the great things that have already come my way."

Whether he says it or not, a ring would serve as sweet validation.

The goalie in position to win the Kelly Cup is the one any team could have signed.